Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 14, 2026
Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, Zebra Midge, Woolly Bugger
Deschutes River Fishing Report – July 14, 2026
Current Conditions Overview
The lower Deschutes is fishing well this mid-July week, though anglers should be mindful of elevated flows and warming afternoon water temperatures. The river is running 3,780 cfs at the USGS Moody gauge (site 14103000, as of 5:45 AM PDT), which is on the upper end of comfortable wading range. Expect strong currents in the main channel — stick to back-eddies, softer seams, and structure-adjacent water. Water temperature read 65°F (18.4°C) this morning, sitting squarely in the productive zone. Plan to fish early and late to avoid peak afternoon warming.
Flow and Water Clarity
At 3,780 cfs the river is elevated for mid-July but running beautifully clear with excellent visibility. No runoff events are impacting clarity. Waders should exercise caution on rocky crossings — bring a wading staff and tighten that wading belt. Access below Sherars Falls via the BLM road remains open and in good condition.
Active Hatches
Caddis are the dominant bug on the lower Deschutes right now. Evening caddis flights are prolific from roughly 6–9 PM PDT, triggering aggressive surface feeding from the legendary Deschutes redsides. Mornings are seeing a productive Pale Morning Dun (PMD) hatch from roughly 9 AM to noon, before midday sun puts fish down. Pale Evening Duns (PEDs) are mixing into the evening hatch as well. Golden stonefly shucks are still visible on rocks, and trout in faster pocket water above Sherars Falls remain keyed on stonefly imitations throughout the day.
Top Fly Recommendations
Dry Flies: An Elk Hair Caddis in tan or olive (sizes 14–16) is the go-to pattern during evening hatches — nothing matches the Deschutes caddis flush more reliably. The Chubby Chernobyl (sizes 10–12) shines in the broken pocket water above Sherars Falls both as a stonefly imitation and a hopper-dropper indicator. A Stimulator in yellow or orange (sizes 12–14) is deadly in fast riffles. The Parachute Adams (sizes 14–16) rounds out the morning PMD and general mayfly window beautifully.
Nymphs: At 3,780 cfs, nymphing seams and deeper runs remains the most consistent approach. A Pheasant Tail Nymph (sizes 14–16) in classic or bead-head variation produces steadily in mid-channel seams. The Copper John (sizes 14–16) in red or green adds flash and weight for deep slot presentations. A Zebra Midge (sizes 18–20) dropped as a trailer is a consistent producer throughout the day. The Woolly Bugger in olive or black swung through deep pools below Sherars Falls can entice the river's larger fish.
Best Access Points
- Harpham Flat (Maupin) — Most popular wade access near town; productive riffles and soft edges. Expect crowds on summer weekends.
- Beavertail Campground — Excellent pocket water and mid-river structure; fishable at current flows with cautious wading.
- Above Sherars Falls / South Junction — Pocket water and deep pools hold large redsides. Access via US-216; stonefly and attractor dries are at home here.
- Below Sherars Falls — The big pool below the falls and long glides downstream are known for holding larger fish. Prime evening caddis water.
- Macks Canyon — 24 miles below Maupin; far less pressure and excellent canyon wade fishing. High-clearance/4WD recommended.
Hazards and Closures
⚠️ Flow Advisory: At 3,780 cfs the Deschutes has real push to it. Use a wading staff and wading belt, and scout crossings before committing. Water Temp Advisory: Once afternoon temps approach 68°F+, minimize fight times and handle fish quickly in the water. Best fishing windows today are 6–11 AM and 4–9 PM PDT. No closures are currently in effect for the Maupin and lower canyon sections. Always verify ODFW regulations before heading out.